A MAN died after being struck by a train on the East Coast mainline this afternoon (Tuesday, December 16).

The incident, which is not thought to be suspicious, happened at 3.25pm at Chester-le-Street Railway Station.

The man who died has yet to be identified

British Transport Police (BTP) are investigating the circumstances of his death.

A BTP spokesman said: “We were called to Chester-le-Street station at 3.25pm on Tuesday, 16 December, following reports of a person being struck by a train.

“Colleagues from Durham Constabulary and North East Ambulance Service also attended, and a man was pronounced dead at the scene.

“The incident is not being treated as suspicious, and our officers are now working to identify the deceased man and inform his family.

“A file will be prepared for the coroner.”

Delays of up to an hour affected trains heading south and north.

A limited replacement bus service was run between Darlington and Newcastle.

Services between Scotland and London, the Midlands and South-West were affected as well as trains between the North-East and the North-West,

The train operators involved are East Coast, CrossCountry and FirstPennine Express.

Passengers were advised to check with National Rail Enquiries.

National Rail Enquiries said: “There is no firm estimate yet of how long disruption will last but it is likely to continue until at least 18:30.

“You can follow this incident using the hashtag #ChesterleStreet”.